Complex Specimen Processor- Histology

HCA-Healthcare; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Wellbeing support

Paid time off

Job summary

HCA Healthcare in Nashville, TN is seeking a Complex Specimen Processor in Histology to manage inbound and outbound microbiology, histology, and cytology samples, ensuring accurate labeling, accessioning, and preparation for referral laboratories.

Responsibilities include specimen tracking, registration, QA, courier coordination, and compliance with regulatory procedures to support patient care and department goals.

Qualifications

• Less than a High School Diploma/GED required
• Vocational/Technical Degree preferred
• Less than 1 year of experience required
• 1-3 years in a laboratory setting preferred

Responsibilities

• Tracks samples from hospitals through receipt and coordinates courier follow-up
• Receives specimens into the laboratory information system and ensures proper labeling
• Performs registration/order entry with accuracy and timeliness
• Maintains specimen storage, handling, and testing requirements per protocol
• Prepares specimens for courier pickup and documents outcomes
• Assesses referral testing needs and resolves order-entry issues
• Monitors referral testing turnaround times and communicates issues
• Performs periodic preventive maintenance and quality assurance tasks

Job description

Experience the HCA Healthcare difference where colleagues are trusted, valued members of our healthcare team. Grow your career with an organization committed to delivering respectful, compassionate care, and where the unique and intrinsic worth of each individual is recognized. Complex Specimen Processor- Histology

Job Summary and Qualifications

The Complex Specimen Processor is responsible for management of all inbound and outbound microbiology, histology, and cytology samples including, tracking, accessioning, processing, problem specimens, and preparation for submission to referral laboratories. Works in a Market or Core Laboratory Setting. Performs duties consistent with written procedures and regulatory requirements. Supports the department in achieving department goals for service, quality, regulatory compliance, financial performance, patient satisfaction, healthy work environment, and integration of intra and inter-departmental activities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Tracks samples submitted from hospitals through receipt in laboratory. Follows up with courier service to address any missing samples in a timely manner
• Receives laboratory specimens into the laboratory/pathology information system
• Ensures positive patient identification in handling and labeling of specimens
• Performs registration and order entry procedures, as requested, with accuracy, and in a timely manner
• Labels specimens and aliquots according to established protocols and according to testing ordered
• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of specimen collection, storage, transportation, and testing requirements as well as specimen rejection criteria
• Assesses specimen requirements for testing and troubleshoots any specimen requirement or test request issues with submitting entity (laboratory/client).
• Centrifuges and aliquots specimens appropriately, based on specimen type and tests ordered.
• Prepares specimens to be ready for courier pick-up and includes special instructions as requested by physician orders
• Discards laboratory specimens according to established schedule
• Performs periodic preventive maintenance and quality assurance procedures as assigned
• Keeps appropriate records/documentation relating to specimen problems and other problems encountered, takes corrective action as necessary to ensure validity and accuracy of testing
• Cleans the area upon emergency spills of specimens

Referral Testing Functions

• Assesses specimen requirements for referral testing and troubleshoots any specimen requirement and/or referral testing specimen or order entry issues.
• Processes, sorts, and prepares specimens for submission to referral laboratories for testing in accordance with specimen requirements for tests ordered.
• Regularly monitors and reviews the status of referred testing to assure that results are received and made available to physicians within established turnaround times.
• Reviews Outstanding Specimen Report (OSR) and pending referral testing issues; takes action as appropriate
• Communicates and troubleshoots any problem specimens in a timely manner.

Hazardous Waste Handling Functions (as applicable)

• Placing hazardous waste into appropriately labeled containers and keeping containers closed when not actively adding wastes.
• Record “Start” and “Full Dates” on hazardous waste containers as required.
• Complete and affix hazardous waste labels to appropriate hazardous waste storage containers.
• Maintain Hazardous Waste Containers in the designated/documented storage areas.
• Report any spills, cleanup of minor spills within abilities and follow the Emergency Response Activities described in the facility’s Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Less than a High School Diploma/GED required
• Vocational/Technical Degree preferred
• Less than 1 year of experience required
• 1-3 years in a market or commercial clinical laboratory setting preferred

Benefits

HCA Healthcare, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

• Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
• Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
• Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
• Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
• Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
• Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

HCA Healthcare Laboratory Services is a full-service provider of clinical laboratory and anatomic pathology services, providing hospitals, physicians, and clients with timely diagnostic information for patient care. Our infrastructure includes a fully automated esoteric core laboratory in Fort Lauderdale, a histology and microbiology operation in Largo, Florida, and a network of hospital-based rapid-response laboratories in four HCA Healthcare divisions in Florida. Our core laboratories support over 250 acute and rehab hospitals, physician practices, surgery centers, and commercial accounts.

HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated 3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.